Unemployment Tumbling in New Jersey as Many Leave Labor Force

The unemployment rate in parts of southern New Jersey dropped the sharpest in the country over the course of 2013, though it was likely because more people dropped out of the workforce rather than found new work.

Unemployment in the three metropolitan statistical areas around Atlantic City, Ocean City and Vineland remained above 10%, according to a Labor Departmentreport released Wednesday. A slowdown in the casino industry in Atlantic City could be one reason for higher unemployment there. Newer gambling spots outside Atlantic City, including in neighboring Pennsylvania, have taken business from New Jersey.